Iron Man:
The one that started it all. In 2008, Marvel
decided to start an expanded movie universe in
which characters from the different films could
come together. None of it would’ve worked without
Iron Man being a slam dunk.
Audiences look at the hero now as a gem, but
that wasn’t the case a decade ago. If you weren’t
Spider-Man, Superman or Batman, you weren’t
considered upper tier. What changed that? A great
script, a grounded reality, and special effects that
made the suit look great, but this was all about
Robert Downey Jr.
He struck a chord with today’s audiences. He
was quick, witty, sarcastic and narcissistic, but we
loved him for it. This as an origin story that wasn’t
bogged down by over explanation. They showed
and didn’t tell. And again we saw a progression of
a hero.
The villain could’ve been better (been saying
that a lot) and the third act wasn’t its strength, but
the movie holds up amazingly well to this day. Its
sequels couldn’t match its greatness. It also earns
points in that, without it, the entire movie industry
wouldn’t be the same.
Avengers:
The culmination of
five movies that came
before it, “The Avengers”
was nothing short of a
miracle. The stars had to
align. Each movie had not only
to turn into a hit, but a franchise
that could stand on its own. Every big
name actor had to agree to team up. It
needed writing that wouldn’t make this
team up feel forced or cheesy. And it
needed to give every character ample
screen time.
Director and writer Joss Whedon
did just that. The chemistry was
amazing. It had the right amount
of laughs, drama and action. Finally,
Marvel had found a way to create an
exciting third act that arguably still
hasn’t been topped. And there’s a great
villain in Loki.
All of these heroes the audience has
developed relationships with, argue,
come together and fight in New York
City. It’s a strategy that many movie
studios have tried and few, if any, have
succeeded. They never will to this
degree. Avengers, assemble.
Guardians of the
Galaxy:
Never in a million years would I think that
my favorite movie in this list would be
one that includes a talking raccoon,
a giant tree that repeats three words
that mean something different each
time and Chris Pratt, the action
star. But it does.
Somehow, director Gunn
created our generation’s “Star
Wars.” I know many would
hate that analogy, but the
parallels are there. It’s
certainly fun, is hilarious,
and has action and
genuinely touching
moments in a
unique way.
Maybe it’s the
underdogs in
them that are
so compelling.
Nobody asked
for a Guardians of the Galaxy
movie and that’s why Marvel
is great at this. They saw
an opportunity to create
something that’s not out
there and release it. The
soundtrack is incredible.
Starlord, Gamora, Drax,
Rocket and Groot are
characters you learn about
and care for all in one film.
QNS.COM
SPRING 2018 25